When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Best Yeast For Hard Cider (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to make your own hard cider at home, then yeast for hard cider will quickly become your new best friend. With the right yeast strain, you can create a delicious and refreshing beverage that rivals anything you might find at the store. But before you start shopping for yeast, there are a few factors to consider.

First and foremost, you’ll want to think about the type of cider you want to make. Are you looking for something light and fruity, or do you prefer a strong, full-bodied cider? Different yeast strains have different characteristics that will impact the flavor and alcohol content of your final product. You’ll also want to think about your level of experience with home brewing, as some yeast strains may be easier to work with than others.

When selecting a yeast for hard cider, it’s important to consider the temperature range and fermentation time required. Some yeast strains will work quickly at room temperature, while others may require a cooler environment or a longer timeframe. You’ll also want to look for a yeast that is well-suited to the type of juice or fruit you plan to use.

Ready to start brewing your own hard cider? Before you take the plunge, consider some of these questions: What kind of yeast will work best with the flavors you’re hoping to achieve? Are you willing to wait patiently for fermentation to complete, or do you need a quick and easy option? Could a different strain of yeast enhance the aroma or mouthfeel of your cider? Keep these factors in mind as you explore the wide world of yeast for hard cider.

10 Best Yeast For Hard Cider

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for brewing homemade apple cider.
2
The product is ideal for fermenting cider in a volume of 20-30 liters.
3
The product is ideal for making dry cider at home.
4
The product is ideal for home brewers who want to make 6 gallons of hard cider using pear as the main ingredient.
5
This product is ideal for home brewing English and American ales and hard apple ciders with dry yeast ingredients.
6
The product is ideal for those who want to make craft hard cider at home with a reusable glass fermenter and ingredients.
7
This product is ideal for fermenting cider and producing high-quality, consistent results.
8
The product is ideal for making high-quality homemade hard cider with minimal sediment using a specialized fermenter.
9
Ideal for making high-quality, flavorful ciders at home.
10
This product is ideal for fermenting high-quality cider at home.
This product is ideal for brewing homemade apple cider.
The product is ideal for fermenting cider in a volume of 20-30 liters.
The product is ideal for making dry cider at home.
The product is ideal for home brewers who want to make 6 gallons of hard cider using pear as the main ingredient.
This product is ideal for home brewing English and American ales and hard apple ciders with dry yeast ingredients.
The product is ideal for those who want to make craft hard cider at home with a reusable glass fermenter and ingredients.
This product is ideal for fermenting cider and producing high-quality, consistent results.
The product is ideal for making high-quality homemade hard cider with minimal sediment using a specialized fermenter.
Ideal for making high-quality, flavorful ciders at home.
This product is ideal for fermenting high-quality cider at home.

1. 2x Mangrove Jack's Yeast Cider M02 Craft Series Yeast 9g Treats 23l

Brewing cider has never been easier with the use of these 2x 9g packets. Each packet can treat up to 23L / 5 gallons of cider, making it suitable for all types of cider including fruit and perry. Expect consistent, top quality results with each brew as this product guarantees superior shelf stability and ease of use.

The temperature range for this product is between 54-82F (12-28C), ensuring that your cider will ferment at the optimal condition. With its reliable and high-quality performance, this product is the perfect choice for both novice and experienced brewers alike.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for all types of cider including fruit and perry
  • Consistent, top quality results with each brew
  • Superior shelf stability
  • Optimal temperature range for fermentation

2. 5x Fermentis Safcider Cider Yeast 11.5g 20-30l

The Genuine Bottom Fermenting Commercial Yeast for Lager and Pils is a must-have for beer enthusiasts who want to produce continental lagers with fruity, estery notes. This yeast originates from the famous VLB Institute in Germany and is capable of producing outstanding beer that boasts of unique flavors and aromas.

This product comes in 5 sachets, each containing enough yeast to make 20-30 liters of beer at room temperature. In case you want to ferment your beer at a cooler temperature, you can use 2 sachets for the same volume of beer at 11-15 degrees Celsius.

One of the unique features of this yeast is its high flocculation, which means that it tends to settle at the bottom of the fermenter after completing the fermentation process. This makes it easier for you to rack the beer and get it ready for bottling or kegging.

The yeast also has medium attenuation, which means that it can ferment a significant portion of the wort's sugars and produce a beer with a dry finish. The recommended temperature range for this yeast is between 9-22 degrees Celsius, which offers you flexibility when it comes to choosing the fermentation temperature based on the desired beer style.

Pros

  • Produces continental lagers with fruity, estery notes
  • Easy to use with clear instructions
  • High flocculation makes it easy to rack the beer
  • Medium attenuation produces a beer with a dry finish
  • Recommended temperature range offers flexibility when it comes to fermentation

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for other beer styles besides lagers and pilsners

3. Safcider Dry Cider Yeast 5g – 3 Pack

Introducing the perfect tool for any home brewer, winemaker, or distiller – this product is specially designed for making your own beer, wine or spirits. With its high-quality construction, it ensures that your creations turn out perfectly every time. The product is easy to use and comes with clear instructions, making it simple even for beginners. It allows you to control the entire process, from the initial brewing to the final bottling, ensuring that you get the exact taste and quality you desire. The product is durable and built to last, so you can enjoy using it for years to come.

Crafting your own beer, wine, or spirits has never been easier or more fun than with this product. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of brewing and distilling projects. With its efficient design, it offers excellent temperature control and allows for precise measurements, ensuring consistent results every time. The product is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a hassle-free addition to your brewing setup. Whether you are a seasoned brewer or just starting out, this product is a must-have for anyone who wants to create their own high-quality beverages at home.

This product is perfect for anyone who enjoys the art of brewing and distilling. It is a reliable, easy-to-use tool that offers excellent temperature control and precise measurements, ensuring that your creations turn out perfectly every time. With its durable construction and easy-to-clean design, it is a great investment for anyone who wants to make their own beer, wine or spirits at home. Whether you are a seasoned brewer or just starting out, this product is sure to become an essential part of your brewing setup.

Pros

  • Versatile tool for a wide range of brewing and distilling projects
  • Offers excellent temperature control and allows for precise measurements
  • Easy to use with clear instructions, making it simple even for beginners
  • Durable construction, built to last for years
  • Easy to clean and maintain, making it a hassle-free addition to your brewing setup

4. Crafted Pear Cider Kit | Home-Brew 6 Gallons

The ABC Crafted Cider Making Kit is perfect for those who want to experience the joy of home brewing. This kit comes fully equipped with fruit concentrates, yeast, sweeteners, and glucose syrup. However, please note that Dextrose Corn Sugar needs to be purchased separately. You can find all the necessary ingredients at our Brand Store.

With our cider making kit, you can enjoy a mouth-watering pear-flavored cider. This cider has a sweet and mellow pear flavor that will satisfy any thirst. The kit yields approximately 6 gallons of hard cider, providing you with an amazing value for your money.

This brewing kit creates a delicious cider that will have an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 5.2%. Our beer home brewing kits make amazing gifts for anyone interested in homebrewing! They are easy to follow with complete instructions included.

Pros

  • Comes fully equipped with necessary ingredients for cider making
  • Produces mouth-watering pear-flavored cider
  • Yields approximately 6 gallons of hard cider
  • Easy-to-follow instructions included
  • Great gift for anyone interested in homebrewing

Cons

  • – Dextrose Corn Sugar needs to be purchased separately

5. Craft A Brew English Ale Yeast-Pack

For those in search of extra yeast for homebrewing beer or hard apple ciders, Safale S-04 English Ale Dry Yeast is an excellent choice. This strain is widely used for both English and American ales, and is sure to produce a high-quality brew.

One of the major advantages of this yeast strain is its ability to produce fruity and floral notes while still allowing the beer to clear up nicely after fermentation. This dry yeast is shelf-stable and fresh, ensuring the best possible result for your brew.

Another great feature of Safale S-04 is its flexibility in terms of fermentation. It thrives in a temperature range of 59-68 °F, making it suitable for a wide range of ale and cider recipes. Additionally, it does not require hydration or a yeast starter to begin fermentation, making it an easy and convenient choice for home brewers.

Safale S-04 Dry Yeast is an ideal yeast strain for a variety of beer styles, including English Browns and Milds, Stouts, Porters, and NEIPAs. It is also an excellent choice for crafting hard ciders.

Pros

  • Produces fruity and floral notes
  • Leaves beer clearer after fermentation
  • Does not require hydration or a yeast starter
  • Suitable for a wide range of ale and cider recipes

6. Craft Hard Cider Kit – Diy Perfection!

The Hard Cider Making Kit from Brooklyn Brew Shop is an ideal choice for beginners who want to ferment hard cider at home with ease and fun. This award-winning kit is designed in America by published beer authors and contains all the necessary equipment and instructions for making three batches of hard cider. The kit comes with a 1-gallon reusable glass fermenter, 3 packets of yeast, vinyl tubing and clamp, racking cane and tip, chambered airlock, 3 packets of cleanser, and a screw-cap stopper. All you need to add is apple cider or juice.

With easy-to-follow videos and instructions, this kit can be used in any kitchen, big or small. It makes 3 batches of tart, bubbly, and dry hard cider with an Alcohol-by-Volume of 7%. This translates to about 9-10 12-oz bottles of the tastiest hard cider you'll ever make. The Hard Cider Making Kit has been featured in several magazines, including The New York Times, Nylon, Food & Wine, Glamour, Thrillist, Travel & Leisure, Vogue, Time Out, and Martha Stewart. It is an excellent choice for a gift for your BFF, Dad and Mom, Boyfriend/Girlfriend, beer geek, or as a Father's Day or holiday present.

In conclusion, the Hard Cider Making Kit from Brooklyn Brew Shop is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to make hard cider at home. It is easy to use, comes with all the necessary equipment, and produces excellent results. With its easy-to-follow instructions and videos, anyone can make delicious hard cider in their kitchen.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Comes with all necessary equipment
  • Produces excellent results
  • Can be used in any kitchen, big or small
  • Makes 3 batches of tart, bubbly, and dry hard cider
  • Award-winning kit designed by published beer authors

Cons

  • – Only makes 3 batches

7. Safcider Cider Yeast, 5g (Fermentis Safcider™ Ab-1)

Safcider Yeast is a high-quality yeast package that comes with 5 grams of product. It is specially designed for cider making and is perfect for those who want to create a delicious and flavorful cider with ease. The package is easy to use and provides consistent results every time.

This yeast package is ideal for temperatures between 59-68 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for those who want to ferment their cider at home. It is also suitable for a wide range of cider recipes, ensuring that you can create the perfect blend every time.

Safcider Yeast is a reliable and efficient yeast package that is perfect for anyone who wants to make their own cider. It is easy to use, provides consistent results, and is suitable for a wide range of cider recipes. With this yeast package, you can create delicious and flavorful cider in no time!

Pros

  • High-quality yeast for making cider
  • Ideal for temperatures between 59-68 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Easy to use and provides consistent results
  • Suitable for a wide range of cider recipes
  • Reliable and efficient

8. Demon's Wicked Cider – Conical Fermenter Kit

Enjoy the delicious taste of a professionally brewed hard cider right from the comfort of your home with BrewDemon’s 2-gallon hard cider kit. Unlike other messy and time-consuming kits that use a jug or bucket, BrewDemon’s patented pro-style conical fermenter and easy-to-use recipes produce consistent, high-quality results every time you brew. The kit takes just minutes to prepare and the results are sure to impress any cider lover.

BrewDemon’s hard cider is made from the finest quality apples, grown in the fertile orchards of New Zealand. The apples are carefully chosen at the peak of ripeness to ensure maximum flavor and quality. The kit includes the Forbidden Fruit Hard Cider recipe kit, which produces a dry, crisp, and refreshing cider that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

With BrewDemon’s hard cider kit, you can focus on your recipe and get creative with your secret ingredients. Unlike other hard cider kits that require a lot of time and attention during the brewing process, BrewDemon’s kit can be brewed in as little as 15 minutes on the stove. This leaves you with more time and energy to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the perfect hard cider.

The BrewDemon hard cider kit is the only 2-gallon kit that includes 1 quart bottles and a bottle filling valve. This means you can easily fill your bottles without the need to siphon from your fermenter. Just turn the valve and fill your bottles with ease.

In conclusion, BrewDemon’s 2-gallon hard cider kit is the perfect way to enjoy the best tasting homemade hard cider right from your kitchen. With its consistent results, easy-to-use recipes, and included bottles, you are sure to impress your family and friends with your brewing skills.

Pros

  • Produces consistent and high-quality results every time you brew
  • Made from the finest quality apples grown in the fertile orchards of New Zealand
  • Easy-to-use recipes allow for more focus on adding secret ingredients
  • Includes 1 quart bottles and a bottle filling valve for easy bottling
  • Can be brewed in as little as 15 minutes on the stove

9. Cider House Select Premium Cider Yeast

The Cider House Select Premium Cider Yeast is a must-have for all cider lovers. This yeast is suitable for all types of ciders, making it a versatile and convenient option for homebrewers. The 9 g package is perfect for small to medium-sized batches, ensuring that you have enough yeast to create a delicious and flavorful cider.

This cider yeast is made from high-quality ingredients, ensuring that your cider has a consistent and delicious taste. It is easy to use and comes with clear instructions, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cider makers. The yeast helps to enhance the natural flavors of the fruit, resulting in a crisp and refreshing drink that you can enjoy at any time.

In addition to its great taste, the Cider House Select Premium Cider Yeast is also highly reliable. It has a high alcohol tolerance and can ferment quickly, ensuring that your cider is ready in no time. It also produces very little foam, making it easy to work with and preventing any overflow or mess.

If you're looking for a high-quality cider yeast that is versatile, reliable, and easy to use, the Cider House Select Premium Cider Yeast is definitely worth considering. With its great taste, consistent results, and convenient packaging, it's the perfect choice for any homebrewer looking to make delicious cider at home.

Pros

  • Suitable for all types of ciders
  • Made from high-quality ingredients
  • Easy to use and comes with clear instructions
  • Enhances natural flavors of the fruit
  • Highly reliable with a high alcohol tolerance
  • Ferments quickly and produces very little foam
  • Convenient packaging for small to medium-sized batches

10. Cider House Select Premium Cider Yeast-3 Count

The Cider House Select Premium Cider Yeast is a pack of three that offers a high ester-producing strain for creating exceptional flavor in your cider. This premium cider yeast is specially formulated to produce a clean and crisp taste that is perfect for cider lovers. The yeast strain is carefully selected to provide a balanced flavor profile that is not too sweet or too dry.

With this cider yeast, you can enjoy a smooth and refreshing taste that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a seasoned cider maker or a beginner, this premium yeast will help you achieve the perfect flavor every time. The yeast is easy to use and comes with clear instructions to help you get started.

The Cider House Select Premium Cider Yeast is perfect for making all types of cider, including sweet, dry, and semi-dry varieties. It is also suitable for use in a wide range of cider recipes, including those that call for fruit or spices. This yeast is designed to work with a variety of apple juice blends, ensuring that you get the best possible flavor from your cider.

Overall, the Cider House Select Premium Cider Yeast is a must-have for any cider enthusiast. It is a high-quality product that offers exceptional flavor and is easy to use. Whether you are making cider for personal use or for sale, this yeast will help you achieve the perfect flavor every time.

Pros

  • High ester-producing strain for exceptional flavor
  • Produces a clean and crisp taste
  • Suitable for making all types of cider
  • Easy to use with clear instructions

Best Yeast For Hard Cider FAQs

Can different types of yeast affect the flavor of the final cider product?

Yes, different types of yeast can definitely affect the flavor of the final cider product. Yeast is a crucial component in the fermentation process of cider, and different strains of yeast can produce different flavors and aromas. Some strains of yeast may produce a more fruity or floral flavor, while others may produce a more earthy or spicy flavor. The temperature and duration of fermentation can also play a role in the final flavor of the cider.

It is important for cider makers to choose the right type of yeast for their desired flavor profile. For example, champagne yeast is often used for its clean and neutral flavor, while ale yeast can produce a more complex and fruity flavor. Some cider makers even experiment with wild yeast strains for a more unique and complex flavor.

Overall, the type of yeast used in cider making can greatly impact the final flavor and aroma of the product. Cider makers should carefully consider their options and experiment with different yeast strains to achieve their desired results.

How long does the yeast fermentation process typically take when making hard cider?

The fermentation process for hard cider varies depending on the specific recipe and preferences of the cider maker. However, on average, the fermentation process takes around 2-3 weeks. During this time, the yeast consumes the sugars in the apple juice and converts them into alcohol, creating the hard cider. It's important to monitor the fermentation process regularly to ensure that the cider doesn't over-ferment or become contaminated. Some cider makers prefer a slower fermentation process, which can take up to 6 weeks, to allow the flavor to develop more fully. Overall, the length of the fermentation process for hard cider depends on the desired taste and alcohol content, as well as the specific yeast strain being used.

How much yeast should be used per gallon of cider?

The amount of yeast to be used per gallon of cider depends on a few factors such as the desired alcohol content, the type of yeast being used, and the temperature at which the cider will be fermented. Generally, a rule of thumb is to use about 1 gram of yeast per gallon of cider. However, if you are looking to achieve a higher alcohol content, you may need to use more yeast. It is also important to note that different types of yeast have different recommended usage rates, and it is important to follow the instructions provided by the yeast manufacturer. Additionally, the temperature at which the cider is fermented can also impact the amount of yeast needed. Warmer temperatures typically require less yeast, while cooler temperatures may require more. Ultimately, it is important to do some research and experimentation to determine the best amount of yeast to use for your specific cider recipe.

What temperature range is best for fermenting cider with yeast?

The ideal temperature range for fermenting cider with yeast is between 60-70°F (15-21°C). This temperature range is suitable for most strains of yeast that are commonly used for cider-making. If the temperature is too cold, the fermentation process will be slow, and the cider will not have enough time to develop the desired flavor and aroma. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, the yeast can become stressed, and the cider may develop off-flavors. It's essential to maintain a consistent temperature during the fermentation process to ensure that the yeast is working efficiently. One way to do this is to use a temperature-controlled fermentation chamber or wrap the fermenter in a temperature-controlled blanket. It's also a good idea to monitor the temperature regularly and make adjustments as needed. By maintaining the ideal temperature range, you can produce a high-quality cider with a balanced and pleasant flavor.

What type of yeast is recommended for making hard cider?

There are several types of yeast that can be used for making hard cider, but the most commonly recommended one is champagne yeast. This type of yeast is known for its ability to ferment cider to a high alcohol content, resulting in a dry, crisp finish. It also has a low tolerance for residual sugar, which means that it can consume most of the sugar in the apple juice, leaving behind little to no sweetness. Other yeasts that can be used for making hard cider include ale yeast, wine yeast, and cider-specific yeast strains. Each type of yeast can produce a slightly different flavor profile, so it's important to choose one that will complement the desired taste of the finished product. Ultimately, the type of yeast used for making hard cider will depend on personal preference, as well as the specific recipe being used.

Leave a Comment